4/27/2011 - Patrick Update, Physical Therapy

The Society has received many inquiries concerning an update on Patrick. Society staffers went to visit Patrick on Easter Sunday and spent quite some time with him in the sun and on the grass. He loves the trees -- he stares up at them, sniffing the air, and engrossed by them as if he had never seen or enjoyed them before.

The following is an update from Susan E. Davis, PT, a Licensed Physical Therapist of Canine and Small Animal Rehabilitation and owner of joycare onsite, LLC

"Patrick resumed PT today, 4/26/11, one week post endoscopy and neutering procedure. I am pleased to report that he is responding extremely well to PT! Patrick's posture is no longer as rounded and his topline is approaching a more normal appearance. The forelimbs display increased extension at the elbow and carpus joints. The hips are still externally rotated and flexed, along with stifle (knee) flexion, due to weakness. The staff at GSVS report that Patrick is no longer "favoring" the left hindlimb in the mornings and moves about with much less stiffness. His coat is becoming thicker and skin lesions are resolving. Range of motion is now within normal limits at all of the forelimb joints! There is still some tightness in the rear limbs at the hamstrings, achilles tendons and hip flexors but it is improving.

His overall strength has increased from Fair plus grade to Good. His muscle tone and bulk are greatly improved. Gait pattern is improving with increased stride lengths and cadence, full weight bearing all limbs. He uses the stairs on- leash with reciprocal "step-over-step pattern, and some guarding. Patrick's overall balance and trunk control is near normal. He is also starting to urinate in typical "male" fashion, raising the left hindlimb, and bearing full weight on the right. He is able to tolerate one hour of PT with greater endurance and less rest periods needed. He is starting to be more playful and I am able to use rope toys for "tug of war" strengthening games. He tolerates dynamic exercises on the Physioroll and Balance bubble for longer periods. I am also doing "mini intervals" of brisker pace walking on the leash to increase his stamina. I won't allow him to trot or run yet, until his muscle bulk and strength are increased, to protect his joints. Of course, it is not all "work" for Patrick as I continue to give him lots of gentle soothing massages, which he loves.

I am enjoying working with Patrick so much and thank you again for the opportunity to provide his Physical Therapy."

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